December's VIP Owner and Guest Weekend Getaway

VIP Owner and Guest Weekend Getaways are a series of weekends at Plantation Resort giving owners and their guests a VIP experience of Myrtle Beach. As part of their Getaway, VIPs enjoy the finest dining and entertainment Myrtle Beach has to offer as well as enjoy the beautiful amenities at Plantation Resort.  This series usually begins in September and runs through April. Below are some of our favorite highlights from our last Getaway.

 

Our December VIP Owner and Guest Weekend Getaway was filled with delicious food, amazing

entertainment and wonderful memories!

Over the weekend, we experienced fine dining at Damon's Bar and Grill and also at Capriz Italian Feast. We also enjoyed an exhilarating Christmas show Saturday night at The Palace Theatre's Christmas on Ice. Mr. and Mrs. Angotti said of the weekend, "We were pampered throughout the whole event. All the accommodations were very pleasant." Another guest Phil said, "Plantation Resort made everyone happy. This weekend was made up of good food, fellowship and great hospitality."

We would like to thank everyone who joined us for this fabulous weekend!    If you’d like to join us at Plantation Resort for our next Getaway, please call us at 1-888-210-1241.  We hope to see you at our next event!

January 2013 Calendar of Events

If you're fortunate enough to be starting off the New Year with a Myrtle Beach vacation, you'll have dozens of fun-filled activities to choose from!  The Grand Strand has a fantastic line-up of events to kick off 2013 and we're excited to share them with you.


Society of Stranders Mid-Winter Break in North Myrtle Beach
January 18 - 20, See their website

50 years ago, a new dance craze was founded right here in Myrtle Beach, SC - the Shag!  Today, the iconic dance lives on.  Each year, the Society of Stranders calls on its thousands of Shag fans to escape the colder regions and return to the dance's birthplace for a few days of Shagging fun.  Several of the clubs along Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach support the craze, playing beach music and hosting special events.  Come watch the experts show their skills and teach you how to shag, too!


Magic at the Beach at the Carolina Opry
January 17 - 19, See their schedule


Magic enthusiasts, be ready.  South Carolina's premier magic convention is coming to Myrtle Beach! Come enjoy a series of fantastic workshops, dinner buffets, lectures from your favorite magicians, contests and more!  The grand finale takes place on Friday night in the Gilmore Auditorium at the Carolina Opry, where a series of world champion and ward-winning magicians will take the stage and perform their thrilling acts!


29th Annual Grand Strand Boat & Sportman Expo at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center
January 11, 10am - 7pm; January 12, 9am - 7pm; January 13 11am - 5pm

Head down to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for an expo of a wide variety of boating, ATV, hunting and mountain biking equipment.  The event will also feature several seminars and, to top it all off, Swampmaster Jeff Quattrocchi will wrestle a 200-pound alligator!


A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline starring Gail Bliss at the Alabama Theatre
January 18 - 19, 7pm

In a special event, the Alabama theatre will host the talented Gail Bliss!  Ms. Bliss and a live band will re-create the sound of the legendary Patsy Cline, performing 20 of her greatest hits.  If you're a fan of classic country music, this an event you won't want to miss!


5th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Rally Parade in Myrtle Beach
January 21, 11:30am - 2pm

Celebrate the life and contributions of the great Martin Luther King, Jr. by attending the 5th annual Freedom Rally Parade!  The event will begin by the baseball stadium heading down Grissom Parkway toward 21st avenue where it will turn right heading east to Carver St, where it will turn right again to end at Mt. Olive AME Church.


The South East's Best Dance Crew Dance-Off at House of Blues
January 26, 6:30pm


The House of Blues will host dance crews from teams, high schools and anyone who thinks they have what it takes to compete for the title of the South East's best dance crew.  Each crew has 3 minutes to perform, after which the 3 celebrity judges will deliberate to determine who will take home the $500 cash prize!  Surprises will be given throughout the evening.



Silent Cities at Brookgreen Gardens
January 1 - February 28, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12pm and 2:30pm

Experience the history and culture of the area through Brookgreen Gardens' seasonal Silent Cities tour.  Ride the Trekker through the back roads of the property to the historic former sites of Southern plantations.  Here, you'll be taken on a walking tour through the graveyards of former slaves and plantation owners.  Brookgreens' knowledgeable staff will expound upon the historical burial customs of African and European origins.


Remember, Myrtle Beach also has dozens of fantastic venues open year-round!  Here at Plantation Resort, we also have a wide variety of on-site activities to entertain both you and your little ones!  To learn more about what the area has to offer and to purchase tickets to your favorite attractions, be sure to stop by our Front Desk.

New Year's Eve in Myrtle Beach

It's time to wave goodbye to 2012 and ring in the New Year in style!  Myrtle Beach is a great place to celebrate, with a wide variety of events for both young and old.


Celebrity Square at Broadway at the Beach, 7pm

Head over to Celebrity Square at Broadway at the Beach for an unforgettable night!  You'll enjoy a night of great music and dancing at Broadway's best clubs, including Froggy Bottomz, Crocodile Rocks, Rodeo, Club Boca and Broadway Louie's.  To top it all off, there will be confetti cannons, a balloon drop, a DJ in the square, a champagne toast, a live feed from Times Square and fireworks!  Tickets run $30 if purchased in advance and are $35 on the 31st.


New Year's Eve Celebration Cruise on the Barefoot Princess, 7 - 9pm

Have a New Years Eve celebration unlike any other!  Climb aboard the Barefoot Princess Riverboat and spend the evening cruising along the famous Intracoastal Waterway.  While on board, you'll be treated to live entertainment, dancing, party favors and a full-service cash bar.  There will also be plenty of delicious food and desserts to keep your strength up during the party!  Tickets are $46 per person or $88 per couple. All aboard!


Noon Years Eve Party at The Children's Museum of South Carolina, 10am - 1pm

Before you take off for an adults' night out, celebrate New Years with the kids!  The Children's Museum will once again host their annual Noon Year's Eve party, where the little ones enjoy fun crafts, exciting games, a balloon drop and even a kid-friendly toast when the clock strikes noon!  Admission is $5.


New Years Eve at Brookgreen Gardens, 6 - 9pm

For a more relaxed evening, celebrate New Year's Eve at South Carolina's famous sculpture gardens.  Stroll through the gorgeous property while admiring the stunning views created by the hand-lit candles and lights strewn throughout the fountains and gardens. You'll also enjoy beautiful music with champagne and refreshments available for purchase.  Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.


New Years Eve Special Event at Comedy Cabana, 7:30 and 10pm

Laugh your way into the New Year at Myrtle Beach's stand-up hotspot, Comedy Cabana!  This local comedy club will feature some of their best comedians, party favors, an autographed photo of the headlining comic, a gift certificate for a future show and a balloon drop!  You'll have 2 opportunities to attend at 7:30 and 10pm, with the later show featuring a champagne toast.  Click here for pricing information.


New Years Eve Party and Concert at Hard Rock Cafe, 9:45pm


If you're searching for a big party, look no further than Hard Rock Cafe!  Everyone will dance to the live music of Black Glass while waiting for the clock to strike midnight.  Hard Rock will also provide confetti cannons, party favors, a huge balloon drop and live feed from Times Square.  Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 if purchased same-day.  Spaces are limited!



New Years Eve Celebration at Legends in Concert, 10pm

Celebrate the New Year with tunes sung by your favorite tribute artists, including Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson, Celine Dion, Johnny Mathis and the Blues Brothers.  Legends will also broadcast the Times Square Ball drop and provide party favors.  If you want to raise your glass at midnight, champagne will also be available for purchase!


New Years Eve with Corey Smith at House of Blues, 9pm

Join Corey Smith, one of country music's hottest new artists, at the House of Blues to welcome the New Year!  Corey and special guests American Aquarium and Indian Rodeo will entertain you while you enjoy dancing, great food and a full-service bar.



New Years Eve Celebration at Landshark Bar and Grill and the SkyWheel, 9pm

Ring in the New Year in true Myrtle Beach fashion at the Landshark Bar and Grill.  You'll enjoy a live DJ, appetizers, a nacho bar, chili stations, a margarita shooter at midnight (or non-alcoholic beverage for those under 21), a live broadcast from Times Square and a ride on the famous Myrtle Beach SkyWheel!  Tickets are $39 per person or $75 per couple.


Be sure to stop by our Front Desk for additional information or any questions you might have.  After the party, there's no better place than Plantation Resort to have a long, relaxing night's sleep! Join us from 10 am to 2 pm for a delicious Brunch and hot coffee.  We look forward to ringing in a New Year with you here at Plantation Resort!

Southern Holiday Traditions

When picturing Christmas scenery, the first thing to come to mind may be a snow-covered house up North.  Many people don't know that Christmas actually caught on in the Southern states first!  The South, which was more open to European influences, embraced the holiday before the more Puritanical Northern states.  Louisiana, Alabama and Arkansas were the first to make Christmas a legal holiday in the 1830s.  Finally, in 1870, President Grant declared Christmas a national legal holiday.  By this time, many of the South's Christmas traditions had spread and have become deeply rooted in the way we celebrate.  Here are a few of our Southern traditions- some you may recognize, and a few you may like to start!


Decorations

Magnolia Wreaths: When the Pilgrims arrived in Jamestown, they noticed that the magnolia tree is an evergreen.  From there, they began incorporating the symbolic flower into their Christmas decor. This beautiful plant is still traditionally used to deck the halls in the deep South.

A Single Candle in Each Window: This tradition was begun by the Irish and they brought it with them to Colonial Williamsburg. This sentiment demonstrates loyalty to loved ones who are not present in the home.

Citrus: Currently, we are able to enjoy fresh fruit almost any time we would like.  In the old days, however, that was not the case.  Having citrus in the off-season was a luxury that only the very rich could afford.  Therefore, children would eagerly await to receive citrus in their stocking on Christmas morning.  Citrus eventually became a big part of Southern holiday decor.  It is hung on Christmas trees and weaved into garland.  Cloves are also pushed into the citrus as a form of decor that is a treat for the eyes and the nose.

Poinsettia: This festive plant is unofficially recognized as the traditional flower of Christmas. Few people know, however, that this flower was first introduced into the United States by a man from Charleston, South Carolina:  Joel Robert Poinsett, the first United States minister to Mexico in 1825.  The poinsettia was a traditional Christmas decoration in Mexico, which he chose to carry back with him.


Food and Beverage

Oysters: December brings brisker weather and cooler water to the South, creating the perfect conditions for the best oysters.  For this reason, oysters are a common dish on a Southern table during the holidays.  Oyster dressing is a staple in many a home, but you'll also see them steamed, smoked, scalloped, on the half shell or even in a creamy stew!

Deep-fried Turkey: It's no secret that we love our fried food in the deep South, and we'll take any chance we get to make our meal a little extra crispy.  Deep frying a turkey in peanut oil gives that extra crunch while leaving the inside juicy- a perfect combination! This culinary masterpiece began here and has been steadily growing in popularity with our Northern and Western neighbors.

Pecans: Pecan trees are native to the South and were considered a delicacy in Colonial times.  We'll take our pecans in any form when it comes to holiday dishes- baked into cakes, pressed into cookies, sprinkled on salads and, of course, the famous pecan pie!

George Washington Egg Nog: Egg Nog is a Christmas tradition for most of the country, but here in the South the best recipe comes from none other than Virginia-bred George Washington himself.  He had his own special recipe that he would serve in the Presidential Mansion.  Today, this old recipe is still served in the South.



Superstitions and Stories

If you let your fireplace go out on Christmas morning, evil spirits will come.

If you wash and iron a new garment before gifting it at Christmas, you will wash out good luck and press in bad luck.

An old Southern story tells of Robert E. Lee, General in the Confederate Army, meeting Santa Claus.  According to the tale, 3 little girls wrote the General a letter.  They told him how Santa had not been to see them in 3 years and were wondering if it was because Santa didn't love them or if it was because the General asked him not to cross the border lines.  General Lee wrote back and told them that on the first Christmas Eve of the war, he was walking through the camp when suddenly he saw Santa riding above him in the air.  When he told Santa that he could go no further South, Santa was very unhappy at the idea of disappointing the children of the Confederacy.  So the General told him to take the toys, sell them and use the money to buy clothing, medicine and food for the weary soldiers.  Santa did as he was ordered and the soldiers were comforted, thanks to the sacrifice of the little children.  (Read the full story here.)

Plantation Resort is a great place to spend the holidays and immerse yourself in the culture of the South.  We hope this Christmas is full of your favorite traditions- and that maybe you'll try a few of ours, too!

Tips for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

With the holidays comes a 6 week stretch of eating delicious meals, treats and sweets of every variety.  With so many goodies being passed around at parties, a few extra pounds around the waistline sneaks up quickly and easily.  Everyone wants to indulge a little bit over this special time of year (especially if you're spending it on vacation!), but how can you keep it from getting out of hand? Here are a few tips that will enable you to have your cake and eat it, too - without sacrificing your figure!

Play Favorites!
Don't waste your calories munching on mindless party snacks like chips and dip that you can have anytime.  Instead, save them for the good stuff that only comes around once a year, like homemade pumpkin pie or your grandma's famous chocolate pound cake.  You don't need to sample all of the desserts in the buffet line; just stick to your favorites.

Plan Ahead
When you know you have a party coming up, plan accordingly.  Be sure to eat healthy in the days leading up to the event rather than promising yourself you'll eat better in the days following.  On the day of the party, eat a healthy snack right before heading out the door so that you won't have as much room for sweets.  Drinking water throughout the day also helps to minimize that "hungry" feeling.  If you show up at a party starving, you're sure to over-indulge.

Have a Safety Net
In the face of temptation, it can be difficult to resist going back for seconds...and thirds.  To help, have your own "security system" in place.  Wear a a form fitting outfit (belts are great!) so that you will feel it when you've gone too far.  During the course of the night, make a goal to mingle and socialize away from the table.  Remember: out of sight, out of mind!  Lastly, use the "buddy system." Stick with a friend who is also trying to watch what they eat and act as each other's support.

Take Care of Your Body
What do you get when you consume excess calories but spend your days as a couch potato?  That's right, the extra pounds.  While some think of "exercise" as a bad word, it really doesn't have to be.  Make it fun!  Take family walks to look at the Christmas lights in your neighborhood.  Every little bit helps!  Pick a parking spot at the back of the lot so you have to walk a little further and try to take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible.  Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is also important.  If you're in a constant state of fatigue, you won't have the motivation to exercise and you're likely to consume excess food in an effort to increase your energy level. Weighing in twice a week can help you stay aware of where you are and lets you know if you need to modify what you're doing.
 
While Eating...
Load up your plate with a fair amount of fruits and veggies.  Eat those first so there won't be quite as much room for all the sweets - but of course it's okay to save room for some!  Just don't over do it. Next, be sure to pace yourself.  Keep in mind that it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to register that it's full, so eating slowly will help prevent over-eating.  If you have a host that keeps insisting that you eat up, it's okay to politely decline.  Let them know that everything was very delicious and that you're full.  Finally, try limiting your alcohol intake.  Alcohol is full of empty calories and inhibits your sense of self control, which can cause additional eating.

Most importantly, you don't have to constantly deny yourself!  The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed in every aspect.  As long as you stay in control and don't over do it, there's no reason why you can't indulge in your favorite seasonal goodies.  Plantation Resort will be happy to point you to some of the best local restaurants and events in the area where you can enjoy delectable holiday treats.  On site, we have a fantastic morning breakfast buffet that offers several healthy options to help you start your day off right.  After your feast, you can enjoy our renowned fitness facilities with free weights, ellipticals, treadmills and more.  We also offer several aerobics classes, including the ever popular Zumba!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of a Thousand Candles

If you're looking for the magic and spirit of the Christmas season while vacationing in Myrtle Beach over the holidays, be sure to visit Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of a Thousand Candles.  Named one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast, this spectacular event will make for an evening you will never forget!

Brookgreen Gardens, the famous property developed as a sculpture garden by the Huntingtons, is illuminated by 5,500 hand-lit candles floating in the fountains and lining the walks to illuminate the 250-year-old live oak trees.  The landscaping is draped in sparkling lights and shining Chinese lanterns that illuminate hundreds of outdoor sculpture, creating a Southern winter wonderland.

As you wander through the glowing gardens, you'll hear the sounds of beautiful holiday music floating across the air.  Carolers stroll the paths while other musicians perform in heated tents, giving you a chance to warm up while enjoying their harmonies.  Entertainers include vocal groups, guitar quartets, handbell choirs, Gullah music, pop bands, harpists and even a bagpipe player.  (Click here for a performance schedule.)

What's more romantic than dinner next to thousands of glowing candles?  Award-winning Inlet Affairs catering is standing by in a heated tent to serve you a divine lowcountry feast.  The menu features all of your favorite Southern fare including shrimp and grits, inlet clam chowder, snow crab, oysters on the half shell, chicken bog, BBQ and chicken breast with fire-roasted corn and peppers.  If you want to keep warm as you move through the gardens, hot chocolate, cider and coffee are also available. (Click here for a full menu and pricing information.)

For magical Christmas memories and an enchanting experience, be sure to bring your loved ones to Nights of a Thousand Candles.  The event runs for 7 nights including December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st and 22nd from 3 - 10pm. Adult tickets are $16 and children's tickets (ages 4 - 12) cost $7.

Plantation Resort is conveniently located just 15 minutes away from Brookgreen Gardens!  Be sure to stop by our Front Desk to receive additional information on this wonderful event. We look forward to seeing you and your family here over the holidays.